The profile of Marseille, a candidate opponent of Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round of the Champions League

Panathinaikos were unlucky in the Champions League third qualifying round draw, dodging one of Braga, Rangers and Eindhoven out of four strong opponents in front of them, but beating Marseille.

It is undoubtedly one of France’s most traditional forces, having won a European trophy (the only one in their country to have won the Champions League) and many domestic titles, while drawing its strength from its large but demanding audience, which is among the most fanatical in the old continent.

Last season they finished 3rd on 73 points, 12 behind champions Paris and 11 behind runner-up Lance, taking them into qualifying where they hope to show their presence in the groups.

For this reason, he hired a renowned coach and Marthelino decided to leave his native country after 25 years on the bench of Spanish teams and accept Olimpic’s invitation, with the management supporting him with strong actions.

The additions of Kodogbia, Lodi, Malinowski and Arit have bolstered them ahead of the new season but the biggest and most eye-catching transfer move was completed last Saturday when the Fokas agreed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (released by Chelsea) and announced his commitment for the next three years.

However, the acquisition of the Gabon striker will not be Marseille’s last impressive move as the countdown begins to announce another big deal, with Watford to sign Ismaila Sarr for the next five years.

At the moment Marseille boasts 14 international footballers and an extremely respectable squad (Ronzier, Lopes, Gueduzi, Uder, Vitinia, Vertou are some of the top notch players). Panathinaikos will not have Dmitri Paget by their side – should they qualify – and the French legend later leaves the team from 326 games in the Marseille shirt over the last decade.

• Year of foundation: 1899
• Title: 1 Champions League (1992–93), 9 French championships (1936–37, 1947–48, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1988–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 2009–10), 10 French trophies (1923–24, 192). 5–26, 1926–27, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1942–43, 1968–69, 1971–72, 1975–76, 1988–89), 3 League Cups (2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12)
• Venue: “Velodrome” (67,394 spectators)
• Trainer: Marthelino